Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has pledged to deepen collaboration with the federal government and development partners to improve healthcare delivery services in the state.

Pledging yesterday at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) in Maiduguri during the opening of the 9th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Association of Radiologists of Nigeria (ARIN), Zulum also restated his administration’s commitment to supporting UMTH and other federal health facilities in the state.

The governor noted that the hospital had remained steadfast in saving people’s lives, training medical professionals and providing essential specialist services throughout the difficult years of insurgency and flooding in the state.

According to him, the event marked another milestone in the collective pursuit of stronger healthcare delivery, medical education, research and specialist services for the people of Borno State and the North-East region.

Commending the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Ahmed Ahidjo, for what he described as exemplary leadership and significant contributions to the health institution’s growth and development, Zulum said the hospital has recorded notable progress in infrastructure development, specialist services, medical training, research and professional development under Ahidjo’s leadership.

Ahidjo, he said, “has demonstrated that effective leadership is about building strong institutions, developing people and leaving a lasting legacy,” adding that under his leadership, UMTH has continued to make significant progress in infrastructure, specialist services, medical training, research and professional development.

He expressed optimism that the newly commissioned projects would enhance the quality of healthcare services and further consolidate the hospital’s position as a centre of excellence.

Zulum also commended President Bola Tinubu for his continued support to the state, particularly in healthcare infrastructure, human capital development and institutional strengthening.

Meanwhile, the governor said the ARIN Conference, book launch and inaugural lecture underscored the importance of research, knowledge-sharing and continuous professional development in addressing healthcare challenges.

He donated N100 million on behalf of the state government for the book, Duty and Courage: The Story of Professor Ahmed Ahidjo 2018-2026, written by James Bwala, chronicling his achievements as the Chief Medical Director of UMTH.

The high point of the event was the commissioning of the Fertility Care Centre and En-Suite Maternity Complex, constructed by the North East Development Commission.